Peace in Focus YouTube Channel

Peace in Focus is proud to launch the Official Peace in Focus Channel on YouTube. The channel features voices of Burundian youth and their messages for social change.

What would your message be?

First issue of "Akarusho +" to be published in Burundi

Peace in Focus/Jamaa plans to publish next week the first issue of Akarusho +, a monthly community newsletter for and by youth. "Akarusho +" means "advantage plus, star of the youth" in Kirundi, the national language in Burundi. The newspaper will be staffed by participants of the Peace in Focus/Jamaa Summer 2008 Workshop.

Peace Photojournalists learn how to use a voice recorder for interviews.

Working together on Akarusho +.

Our Burundi Slideshow

Below is a slideshow of photos taken by the 16 participants in our Peace in Focus - Bujumbura workshop. They are 8 boys and 8 girls between the ages of 14-17 from Bujumbura and the surrounding region of Bujumbura Rural. They are former child soldiers, orphans of HIV/AIDS and the war, refugees, displaced and homeless youth. They represent the rich ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity of Burundi. Their stories represent an emerging narrative of resilient and dedicated youth from the Great Lakes Region of Africa. Through the following entries, you will learn about them, their stories, the activities they experienced during our workshop, as well as their creative and unique vision for peace and social change, which they wish to share with you.

These photos were showcased at the Burundian Palace of Art and Culture in late August 2008.



We are grateful to our local partner organization, Jamaa, which provided untold amounts of support and continues to work with these inspiring young people. This summer was the first step in what we hope will be a long-term effort by Peace in Focus to engage Burundian youth in a creative dialogue and visual discourse for peace and reconciliation in their country.

To read more, please visit: Peace in Focus

L’Apprentissage Ne Finit Jamais

L’Apprentissage Ne Finit Jamais

- un poème par Edidiée
(a poem by Edidiée, a participant of our Peace in Focus - Bujumbura workshop, which she recited at our Photography Exhibit on August 20, 2008 in Bujumbura)

Au palais des Art ce Soir
Nous portons
Un grand collier unique
Ceinturant moi et toi
La connaissance dans la reconnaissance
La connaissance dans l’apprentissage

Ce métier d’amitié
Le métier de médiation
Comme une joyeuse source
Au sein et au service
De Jamaa et Peace in Focus
La mère sera la mère
De tous les enfants
Le père, le père de tous les enfants
L’enfant, l’enfant de tous les parents
Et nous mangerons dans le même plat
Ce morceau de l’éternité
Qui domine le monde

La jeunesse!
N’est pas faite pour le plaisir
Elle est faite pour l’héroïsme
Viens chercher la paix qui dure
Viens résoudre les conflits par moyen photographique
L’apparence n’est pas la réalité
Mais l’instruction est un vrai trésor
Avec message
Bâtissons un monde sans races
Bâtissons un monde tout a l’homme.

Edidiee reciting her poem at the Photography Exhibit

Mediation and Shutter Speed

DAY 8 - August 13, 2008

Ce qui m’a beaucoup intéressé dans cet atelier c’est que j’ai appris comment utiliser la vitesse d’obturation, la façon de l’augmentée et de la diminuée. Ce que j’ai aussi appris c’est à propos du rôle du médiateur comment il doit se comporter,qu’il doit être un homme intelligent,neutre,calme en plus qui a de l’expérience.

That which really interested me in this workshop is that I learned how to use shutter speed, the way to speed it up and slow it down. I also learned the role of the mediator and how he or she has to behave, that he has to be an intelligent person, neutral, calm, and someone with experience.

Commentaire : Chanel MUSHINGANTAHE (Commentary by Chanel Mushingantahe)

Chanel's photos:

Chanel

Kids without cameras

Bujumbura from the mountains

Ce que j’ai appris hier c’est de savoir utiser la vitesse d’obturation si il y a la lumière beaucoup tu te sers de la vitesse rapide et si il y a peu de lumière tu utilise la vitesse d’obturation lente. Ce que j’ai appris aussi c’est de savoir comment tu peux être médiateur entre deux personnes qui ont un conflit, d’abord qu’il faut être observateur, un homme neutre, impartial et honnête

Encore plus la photo joue un grand rôle par exemple tu peux prendre une photo en cachette comme preuve aux cas où l’un des deux avait refusé d’avouer la vérité.

Yesterday I learned how to use shutter speed. If there is a lot of light, you can use fast shutter speed, if there is little light you use slow shutter speed. I also learned how to be a mediator between two people in conflict. First you must be an observer, neutral, impartial, and honest.

Also, a photo plays a large role. For example, you can secretly take a photo as proof in the case where someone refused to tell the truth.

Commentaire : Adeline HAVYARIMANA (Commentary by Adeline Havyarimana)

Adeline's photos:

Adeline

A glimpse into Adeline's home

Central Market in Bujumbura

Youth as Today's Leaders

DAY 7

..J’ai appris beaucoup de chose durant l’atelier (différence entre images de paix et images de conflit, utiliser correctement un appareil photo, le rapport entre photographie et résolution de conflits et pas mal d’autres choses encore...) C’était une très bonne idée de venir nous enseigner cela

I learned many things during the workshop (the difference between images of peace and images of conflict, how to correctly use a camera, the relationship between photography and conflict resolution and many other things...) It was a very good idea to come teach us this.

Merci 100 fois, Cédric BAMBONEYEHO (Thank you 100 times, Cedrick Bamboneyeho)

Cedrick's photos:

Cédric

Lake Tanganyika

Untitled

...Je commence par remercier les organisateurs de l’atelier car nous apprenons tellement de choses qu’on ne connaissait pas avant :
-les jeux
-la distinction des images de paix et celles de conflit
-la photographie et le conflit
-les positions et les intérêts
-les stéréotypes du genre
-les visites…

Aujourd’hui on a commencé par parler de leadership, nous avons défini ce que c’est un leader, cité quelques exemples de leaders et donné des opportunités de leadership.
Après nous sommes tous partis à Bujumbura Rural pour visiter notre amie Adeline, c’était une belle excursion qui demandait beaucoup d’effort physique parce que c’est dans les collines. Nous avons également visité certains monuments historiques comme le Mosolé et le Monument de l’Unité Nationale

De retour nous avons un peu continué avec le leadership puis il y a eu le Slideshow : on nous a montré les photos qu’on a prises durant la semaine passée et on a terminé comme d’habitude avec « Chapeau !»

I begin by thanking the organizers of this workshop because we are really learning things we did not know before :
-games
-the distinction between images of peace and those of conflict
-photography and conflict
-positions and interests
-gender stereotypes
-excursions

Today we began by talking about leadership. We defined that it means to be a leader, gave some examples of leaders, and gave some opportunities for leadership.

After that we all left to go to Bujumbura Rural to visit the home of our friend and fellow participant Adeline. It was a beautiful excursion that required a lot of physical effort because we were in the hills. We also visited several historical monuments like the Mausoleum and the Monument of National Unity.

After coming back we continued to talk about leadership and then we saw the Slideshow – photos that we took the last week and we ended as usual with "Hats off!"

-Kelly Dusabe

Kelly's photos:

Kelly

Lake Tanganyika clean up

National Monument

Effective communication and conflict resolution

Peace in Focus Workshop Day 6 - August 11, 2008

...Ce que j’ai apprécié aujourd’hui c’est que j’ai appris comment dépasser ma colère j’ai également été intéressé par les jeux qu’on a fait. En général j’apprécie la façon dont le facilitateurs s’occupent de nous et nous expliquent si on rencontre des difficultés. J’adore aussi apprendre la photographie car elle me servira dans l’avenir et dans la reconstruction de mon pays.

…What I liked today is that I learned how to control my anger. I was also interested in the games we played. In general, I appreciate the way in which the facilitators take care of us and explain things if we encounter difficulties. I also love learning photography because it will serve me in the future and in the reconstruction of my country.

Merci beaucoup, INGABIRE Emmanuel (Thank you very much, Emmanuel Ingabire)

Emmanuel's photos:

Emmanuel

Working mother with child

Our group in Bujumbura Rural

..Salut à tous les blogueurs

Tout d’abord je remercie les organisateurs de cet atelier car j’ai pu apprendre beaucoup de choses que je connaissais pas avant.

Dès le premier jour de l’atelier j’ai appris comment différencier les images de paix et celles de conflit et au fil des jours j’ai appris la photographie avant je croyais que c’est quelque chose de très simple que tout le monde est capable de faire sans l’apprendre mais j’ai vu que c’est plus compliqué que ça il y a des trucs essentiels qu’on doit savoir. Autre chose que j’aime beaucoup ce sont nos excursions en ville, à la plage et ailleurs car j’apprends encore plus sur la photographie.

Aujourd’hui j’ai appris comment résoudre les conflits avec le système de « positions et intérêts » qu’il faut toujours bien écouter avant de trancher et ça va de soi avec la communication efficace où on nous a appris qu’il faut bien suivre le discours de celui qui s’adresse à toi

J’ai aussi appris beaucoup de jeux intéressants. Et j’espère apprendre encore plus durant les jours qui restent.

…Hi to all the bloggers

First, I thank the organizers of this workshop because I learned many things I did not know before.

Since the first day of the workshop I learned how to distinguish images of peace and images of conflict and the following days I learned photography. Before I thought that it was something very simple, which anyone can do without learning but I saw that it’s more complicated than that. There are some essential things that one must know. Another thing I like alot are our excursions into the city, the beach, and elsewhere because I learn even more about photography.

Today I learned how to resolve conflicts with the system of « positions and interests ». One must listen well before deciding and this goes with effective communication where we learned that it is important to follow the discourse of the person who is speaking to you.

I also learned many interesting games. And I hope to learn even more in the days to follow.

Merci, Sarah NDUWIMANA (Thank you, Sarah Nduwimana)

Sarah's photos:

Sarah

Burundian drummers

Friendship

Excursion to the Zoo and Beach

DAY 5

..Ce vendredi m’a beaucoup plu parce que nous avons visité pas mal d’endroits intéressants comme tout d’abord le Musée Vivant de Bujumbura où j’ ai vu des animaux que je n’avais pas encore vu pour de vrai je les voyais tout juste à la télé comme les crocodiles, les serpents... . J’ai aussi vu les maisons traditionnelles et le palais royal

Après le musée nous sommes allés à la plage au Cercle Nautique là-bas j’ai vu des pêcheurs et tout près du lac j’ai vu comment plusieurs personnes se donnent à fond pour enlever la plante qui polut le Tanganyika et ça m’a vraiment plu de voir ces gens qui se sont organisés pour une noble cause

Nous avons fait de très belles photos que même quelqu’un d’ailleurs apprécierait et qui montrent la beauté de notre pays et ça change des photos qu’on monte souvent d’ici où on ne voit que la misère.

Our group at the Musée Vivant (Zoo)
Photo by Kyle D.

I really liked this Friday because we went to several interesting places such as the Zoo (Musée Vivant) of Bujumbura where I saw animals I have never seen before in real life, only on TV, such as crocodiles and snakes… I also saw traditional houses and the royal palace.

After the museum, we went to the beach at Cercle Nautique (a seaside restaurant). There I saw fishermen and next to the lake I saw how several people try their best to remove the plants that pollute Lake Tanganyika. I really liked seeing people who are organized for a noble cause.

We took some very beautiful photos, which even people from elsewhere can appreciate, that show the beauty of our country, and that changes the photos we often see from here that show nothing but misery.

Commentaire de IRAKOZE Grâce (Commentary by Grâce IRAKOZE)

Grâce's photos:

Grâce

Untitled

Burundian drumming ritual

Talking about conflict AND having fun

DAY 4 (4è journée d’atelier : Le 7 août 2008)

Cette journée s’est très bien passée nous avons fait beaucoup de choses qui m’ont plu, aujourd’hui je suis venu avec beaucoup de volonté d’apprendre et j’ai appris pas mal de choses qui me seront utiles tout au long de ma vie comme par exemple :
-ce que c’est le conflit
-le rapport entre la résolution pacifique des conflits et la photographie
-les stéréotypes
-des jeux très intéressants

The Human Knot

Tout d’abord à propos de la résolution des conflits j’ai appris que les conflits peuvent être de plusieurs sortes conflit social, conflit entre deux personnes, conflit politique, conflit personnel… et comment les résoudre pacifiquement autre chose d’une grande importance que j’ai récolté c’est comment utiliser la photographie pour résoudre un conflit et que les points les plus importants qu’on utilise dans la photographie(focus, angle ,cadrage ,temps, coupure et zoom) peuvent être utilisés dans la résolution des conflits

Discussing Iconic Images and Visual Literacy

Sur les stéréotypes ce que j’ai appris c’est que la manière dont tel groupe est stéréotypé n’est pas obligatoirement ce qu’il doit être et que par exemple le stéréotype des femmes burundaises les empêchent de réaliser certaines choses et que c’est à chacun de se battre pour ses droits et ne pas toujours attendre que les autres le fassent à sa place. La chose la plus importante est de savoir vivre tous ensemble.

Nous avons fait des jeux très cool, je me suis beaucoup amusé surtout avec le jeu « elfes, géant, sorcière »

Pour conclure je dirai que j’ai appris tant de choses qui m’aideront à savoir bien vivre en société.

August 7, 2008 - Fourth Day of the Workshop: This day went very well, we did a lot of things I liked. I came today with a great desire to learn and I learned many things that will be useful to me throughout my life, such as : -what is conflict -the relationship between conflict resolution and photography -stereotypes -very interesting games

First about conflict resolution : I learned that there can be several types of conflicts - social conflicts, conflicts between two people, political conflict, personal conflict - and how to resolve them peacefully. Another thing of great importance that I learned is how to use photography to resolve a conflict. The most important points in photography (focus, angle, framing, timing, cropping, and zoom) can be useful in conflict resolution. With regard to stereotypes, I learned that the way in which a group is stereotyped is not necessarily the way it has to be – for example, the stereotype of Burundian women prevents them from doing certain things. It is up to each person to fight for their rights and not to expect others to do it for them. The most important thing is to know how to live all together. We played cool games, I especially liked the game "Elves, Wizards, and Giants ." To conclude, I would like to say that I learned a lot of things that will help me to live well in society.

-Commentaires de DIDIER NDUWAYEZU (Commentary by Didier Nduwayezu)

Didier's photos:

Didier

Peace

Looking up

..Je remercie d’abord le Bon Dieu qui m’accorde la possibilité de suivre tous les thèmes d’aujourd’hui le 7/ 8/ 2008 pendant cet atelier PEACE IN FOCUS qui est entrain de se réaliser ici à l’espace public. Je suis totalement fière des enseignements que j’acquiert en rapport des conflits, comment résoudre les conflits quels qu’ils soient individuel, sociaux ou internationaux ainsi de suite…. J’apprécie comment nos facilitateurs nous enseignent en nous guidant dans tout. Ils nous comprennent facilement en essayant de nous mettre sur les mêmes ondes à travers les jeux variés pouvant créer une solidarité entre nous. Je trouve aussi que nous sommes ouvert à travers le Crossing the line : chacun d’entre nous s’exprime à l’aise par rapport à ses expériences. Au 1èr jour moi je croyais que être seule à avoir été traumatisée or ce n’est pas le cas, je constate alors que je partage mes problèmes avec d’autres que ce soit de mon âge, de plus ou de moins.

Teaching "Rock, Paper, Scissors" and Playing "Evolution"

J’ai compris que le métier de photographe va de paire avec la résolution des conflits (les points inoubliables : focus, point de vue, cadrage, temps, coupure et zoom me serviront durant toute ma vie) ceci m’aide et me guide à comprendre les autres ; l’étude de la photographie me fait vraiment plaisir, j’ai aussi appris beaucoup de choses sur les stéréotypes. Je viens de comprendre que nous naissons différents mais qu’il faut s’entraider lors des difficultés

L’importance de ce que j’étudie aujourd’hui est très extraordinaire. « la résolution des conflits laisse des traces dans mon cœur, je pensais qu’il y a des choses dont je serais incapable mais je sais que je peux et pourrais y parvenir avec du courage,de l’espoir et de la responsabilité »

Ce que je souhaite partager avec vous « ayez du courage et de l’amour dans tout et tout ira bien »

J’aime la photographie car elle contribue dans la vie entière…. L’homme et la photo vont de paire

Merci.

-NDIKURIYO Edidiée

First, I thank the Lord who gave me the opportunity to learn all the themes today, August 8, 2008, during the Peace in Focus workshop, which is currently taking place in Jamaa's public space. I am completely proud of the knowledge I acquired with respect to conflict and how to resolve conflict, whether individual, social, or international. I appreciate how our facilitators teach us and guide us in everything. They understand us easily by trying to place us on the same level through various games that can create solidarity between us. I also noticed that we were open through Crossing the Line : each one of us expressed herself or himself easy with respect to our experience. The first day I thought that I was the only one to have been traumatized, but that is not the case, so I can say that I share my problems with others that are about my age. I understood that the craft of photography goes hand in hand with conflict resolution (unforgettable points : focus, point of view, framing, timing, cropping, and zoom will serve me my whole life) which will help me and guide me to understand others ; studying photography is a real pleasure for me, I also learned many things about stereotypes. I just understood that we’re born different but we must help each other in times of difficulty. The importance of what I studied today is very extraordinary. « Conflict resolution leaves traces in my heart, I thought that there are things of which I am incapable but I know that I can and will succeed with courage, hope, and responsibility. » What I would like to share with you is « have courage and love in all and all will be good. » I like photography because it contributes to life as a whole….Man and photography go together. Thank you.

-Edidiée Ndikuriyo

Edidiée's photos:

Edidiée

The old man and the viper

Leaving the market

Group Excursion around Bujumbura

DAY 3

Exposition photographique au CENTRE CULTUREL FRANÇAIS (Photography Exhibit at the French Cultural Centre)

J’ai pu découvrir et apprendre beaucoup de choses à partir des photos sur l'histoire du Burundi, j’ai vu à quoi ressemblaient les burundais de jadis et les princes de mon pays et beaucoup d’autres choses sur notre histoire comme où le prince Louis Rwagasore a été assassiné et qui sont ses meurtriers et quel a été leur sort j’ai aussi vu sur photo le dernier roi du Burundi Charles Ndizeye NTARE 5 qui avait 19ans passé trois mois au pouvoir avant d être victime du coup d’Etat du colonel Micombero,premier président de la République du Burundi et beaucoup d’autres choses encore.

I discovered and learned many things from seeing Burundi’s historical photos. I saw what the Burundians in the past looked like and the princes of my country and many other things about our history, such as where prince Louis Rwagasore was assassinated and the people that killed him. I also saw a photo of the last king of Burundi Charles Ndizeye NTARE 5 who was 19 years old and was in power for 3 months before being a victim of a coup d’etat by Colonel Micombero, the first president of the Republic of Burundi. I also learned many others things.

-Commentaire fait par STEPHANE DERRICK (Commentary by Derrick-Stephane)

Our group at the French Cultural Center Photography Exhibit
(Photo by Kyle D.)

-le jeu "TAKE A STAND"

Durant ce jeu là ce que je me suis rendu compte que les discriminations de quelque sorte qu’elles soient (raciale, ethnique, religieuse ou liée au genre) sont quelque chose de très mauvais qu il faudrait laisser tomber et que le meilleur serait que nous soyons tous unis pour arriver à cela je conseillerais à tous d’éviter la jalousie, de savoir qu’ils sont tous des êtres humains avec plus de ressemblances que de différences

During this game, I realized that various types of discrimination (racial, ethnic, religious, or gender related) are very bad and must be overcome and it’s best that we’re all united for this. I would recommend to everyone to avoid jealousy, and to know that they are all human beings with more similarities than differences.

Commentaire fait par STEPHANE DERRICK (Commentary by Derrick Stephan)

Derrick-Stephan's photos:

Derrick-Stephan

Sharing

Congolese refugees waiting in front of UNHCR

-l'excursion en ville (The Excursion into the City)

Ce qui m’a beaucoup plu quand nous étions en ville c’est que j’ai appris beaucoup de choses sur comment prendre des photos c‘était vraiment une très bonne idée d’organiser cette activité. J’ai également pu m’amuser avec mes amis participants à l’atelier et appris à mieux les connaître. J’en profite pour remercier tous ceux qui ont été cool avec moi

I really liked that I learned many things about how to take pictures when we were in the city. It was a really good idea to organize this activity. I also had a lot of fun with my friends the participants and got to know them better. I would like to thank all those that were so cool with me.

Commentaire fait par CHANNELLE (Commentary by Channelle)

Channelle's photos:

Channelle

Not quite home

Working boy

De Boston à Bujumbura (From Boston to Bujumbura)

Welcome to Burundi

We invite you to take a glimpse into the lives of the participants from our Peace in Focus - Bujumbura workshop. Our August 4 - 15 workshop has 16 participants between the ages of 14-17. They are 8 girls and 8 boys. Among them, there are former child soldiers, orphans of HIV/AIDS and the war, refugees, displaced and homeless youth. They represent the rich ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity of Burundi.

Our Bujumbura participants on Day 1

More importantly, they are bright, astute, kind, hardworking, and hopeful young people that have a role to play in steering Burundi away from its violent past in the direction of social healing and an inclusive visual discourse about the future of their country. Their stories represent an emerging narrative of resilient and dedicated youth from the Great Lakes Region of Africa. Through the following entries, you will learn about them, their stories, the activities they experienced during our workshop, and their creative and unique vision for peace and social change, which they wish to share with you.

-Peace in Focus team

ATELIER DE PEACE IN FOCUS A BUJUMBURA : 2è JOURNEE

(Peace in Focus Workshop in Bujumbura, Day 2)

-Histoire de la photographie (History of Photography)

Moi j’ai été intéressée par ce que j'ai entendu sur la photographie son origine, ceux qui l’ont créé et son évolution dans le temps j’ai aussi les sortes d’appareils (mécaniques et numériques).
(I was interested in what I learned about the history of photography, those that created photography, it's evolution over time and the different kinds of cameras.

-jeu BINGO (BINGO)

Ce qui m’a intéressé dans le jeu BINGO c’est que je le trouve amusant ça m’a aidé à me détendre, ça m’a aidé aussi à mieux connaître mes partenaires
(I liked BINGO because it was a fun game and it helped me to relax and it also helped me to get to know the other participants.)

Commentaires de NADEGE (Blogger of the day, Nadege)

Nadege's photos:

Nadege

Big sister

Bujumbura Rural

-Manipuler l’appareil (How to use the camera)
Cette activité m’a beaucoup plu car j’ai appris utiliser l’appareil numérique (allumer, zoom, comment supprimer les photos, chercher les meilleurs angles…..)
(I really liked this activity because I learned how to use the digital camera (turn on/off, zoom, erase, look for better angles...)

-interviews et présentation des partenaires (interviews and partner presentations)

Durant cette activité j’ai pu connaître mieux les autres participants, leurs passés, leurs vies, leurs rêves et leurs ambitions. Également c’était amusant d’interpréter le rôle de celui que chacun veut devenir (médecin, journaliste célèbre, sportif international, vedette de cinéma, hommes politiques. )
(During this activity I was able to get to know the other participants, their past, their lives, their dreams, and their ambitions. It was also fun to role play the person that we want to become [doctor, a famous journalist, international athlete, a movie star, a politician.])

Commentaires de VALERE (blogger of the day, Valere)

Valere's photos:

Independence Square, Bujumbura, Burundi

Working mother, near the Central Market, Bujumbura

Valere

Our Exhibit at Roxbury Community College - 7/16/08

Our Slideshow

ABC's of Emotion

About Us

Our Stories

playing Elves, Wizards, and Giants

We invite you to read about us, the participants of the Peace in Focus Boston workshop:

My name is Taylor! I am fourteen years old. I am going to be attending Fenway High School as a freshman sometime in September. My hobbies are reading, writing, going on the internet and talking with my friends. I am what you could call a loud person, but a fun person to be around. I have two brothers. One is older than me and the other is younger than me. In September I plan to be playing basketball for Fenway High School. My goals in life are to be the best that I can be and not try to be anyone else.


Hi my name is Catherine. I go to the McCormack Middle school. My family is from Vietnam. I grew up around cameras. What I would want to get out of this program is to make new friends and learn more about photography. I grew up taking pictures. All the pictures I have taken are of nature and flowers, but my main focus is on flowers. Through this program I want to learn more of what I love to do all the time. Now that the program has ended, what I want to take to my community is that we should all pick up our trash and be more involved in with what our city has to offer to us. Also, I want to have a spoken word day for all the poetry writers out there in my community.


My name is Dounia, and I am going into the seventh grade at the McCormack Middle School. I am a tomboy that loves animals. I also love taking pictures. I mostly take pictures of living things, like my dog, my family and friends. I play on a softball team, and I love sports. I love animals and I love Boston! Peace in Focus taught me things about a camera that I didn't even know existed! Now, I'm going to try to help people who can't defend themselves.

My name is Malcolm and here are some things about me and some things I like to do in my spare time. Some days I like to hang out with my friends and other days I like to go new places. I also like to get out and play sports ,and play video games is one of my favorite things to do when I have nothing to do. Generally I like to have a good time with my friends and family.


My Name is Alia. I was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1995. I attend the Lilla G. Fredrick Pilot Middle School. In September, I will go into the 8th grade. In my spare time I love to take pictures, go on the computer and hang with my friends and family. My passion is to go to Harvard Law school and become a great lawyer. When I heard about Peace in Focus I was glad that there is a program that teaches kids about photography. Since it was about photography I wanted to be in it because I have a camera of my own and I got tired of taking snapshots and wanted to take pictures that meant something. I learned a lot more than I thought I would and I am glad I came here. Now that I have finished the program I would love to show my community how much trash there is and how we need to work together to clean it up. So my message to my community is "Keep the community Clean!"


My name is Geisha. I am 13 years old and I go to the McCormack Middle School. In September I will be going into the 7th grade. In my spare time I like to go on the computer and just take pictures around. Some things I like to photograph are people I know, myself, or just nature. In Peace in Focus, we talk about camera parts and conflict. It's really fun. Seriously, if next year they got it, I am really joining it. Well I love to take pictures, play the piano and joke around about people but I am not mean. My goal is to go around the community and get everyone together to hear my spoken word and write their own.



Hi, my name is Feysal. I was born in Somalia. When I was little boy I moved to Kenya, and I grew up in Nairobi. I started elementary school when I was eight years old. When I finished in 2007, I came to the United States of America. Then I went to a middle school called Frederick Pilot Middle School and now I am trying to get into the best high school in Boston, which are exam schools such as Boston Latin. Then after I finish high school I will try to get into one of the best colleges in the whole world. After Peace in Focus, I want to work with my community, and I will do everything I can to make my community better. I would like to make my community clean and peaceful. I will never give up fighting for what I learned in Peace in Focus.


My name is Jamal and I was born in Nairobi, Kenya. I'm 13 years old and I go to Lilla G. Frederick Pilot Middle School. I came to America when I was three years old and I'm going into the 8th grade. I joined this program because I wanted to learn how to use cameras even better and focus on helping my community. After the Peace in Focus workshop I want to work on cleaning up my community because when I grow up I want to become an environmental scientist. The college I want to go to is MIT because they work on Math and Science and those are my favorite subjects.

Ilyasa


The Facilitators

Wendy

Perla

Kendra

Sara

Maanav

Kate and Kyle